Term one a success for commencing students at Leura Campus

Students who were busy unpacking their bags 10 weeks ago and adjusting to life at Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS) at Torrens University are now busy preparing for their first taste of exam pressure. The first intake of students for the year arrived in January, and moved to our Leura Campus – many students relocating from interstate and overseas. Orientation Week and the first few weeks can be tough even for the most confident students. We thought we’d catch up with some of our newest students, and see how they have found their first term with BMIHMS.

O’ Week is the best opportunity for students to get to know their classmates and become familiar with their teachers and support staff before classes commence. New students were briefed on what to expect during their first few weeks and how to make the most of every opportunity. Students were fitted with their uniforms and received textbooks and iBooks; ready to conquer whatever was given to them.

Sanila Khosla from India quickly settled into life at Leura Campus.

“Orientation week was a great opportunity to meet everyone, become familiar with the campus and the local surrounds. I quickly made a really close group of friends – we do everything together now,” she said.

After completing their orientation and meeting returning second year students, new students quickly settled into residential campus life, and began to focus on their studies. Students met their lecturers and practical learning instructors, discovering the wealth of knowledge available at their fingertips. The approach to learning at BMIHMS has been well received.

Felicity Jensen from Melbourne said:

“Because the lecturers are industry professionals, with relevant experience, you really do take on board what they are telling you.”

Many students have learnt firsthand the importance of finding the balance between academic study and the many social activities that are held throughout each term. One theme that is consistent with students is how warm and welcoming BMIHMS is.

Lauren Pietsch from NSW said:

“The school culture is very friendly and collaborative. Everyone works together and helps each other.”

One of the biggest appeals of studying at BMIHMS is the culturally diverse student body. Students learn about the cultures of their classmates and make lasting connections. For Felicity Jenson, having a roommate from Laos is something she would have never had the opportunity to experience if she hadn’t come to BMIHMS.

Many students are already thinking about their Industry Placement scheduled for the second half of the year. Sanila Khosla has always wanted to come to Australia, and is excited about her upcoming industry placement. She is hoping to secure a position in either Cairns or Brisbane.

Blake Graham from NSW has already arranged to travel abroad for his first Industry Placement, and is due to head to Dubai after term two.

“I have been working with the Career Development Team for my first Industry Placement. I am now choosing between four hotels. A Food and Beverage placement in Dubai will be really cool,” he said.

Good luck to everyone sitting exams and we hope you are looking forward to your well- earned break. If you are heading off on industry placement next term, good luck, and for those returning to Leura Campus we look forward to seeing you back refreshed in term two. Its going to be a great year! BM